Proverbs 28:14
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Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.
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Is it the fear of the LORD here? Yes, for that is Proverbs' theme (1:7), it is the whole duty of man (Ec 12:13), no other fear brings happiness (29:25), it is the opposite of hardening your heart (Is 63:17), mischief results from not having it (Ps 36:1-2), and it properly follows the confession of sins to God necessary for prosperity (28:13).
"Alway" modifies fear, not happiness. We must always fear Him, even when not happy. The LORD may withdraw temporarily from a God-fearing man, like Job, thus reducing his happiness; but He will return with additional blessings in the end, like Job as well.
Whatever you do must always be done with His glory in view (I Cor 10:31). Our lives must always be guarded by caution, lest we stray from His ordinances and displease our holy Father. We must make circumspect examination of every thought, word, deed, and plan. Is this choice agreeable to His holy will? Will this activity bring pleasure to Him?
Can happiness and fear coexist? Yes, for fearing the LORD is a reverent desire to please Him by keeping His commandments and hating sin. There is no pain or torment here. This is fear that hopes in His mercy (Ps 147:11) and rejoices with trembling (Ps 2:11). This is fear compatible with coming boldly to His throne of grace for help (Heb 4:12-16).
Fear that caused Adam to hide among Eden's trees was the ungodly fear of guilt and rebellion. The fear of a child of God is like a child's fear of a loving father. It is a strong desire to please and a powerful check on disobedience, but it also includes security, trust, and affection (16:20). Knowing God correctly casts out painful fear (I John 4:18).
Our fear of God should cause us to fear ourselves as well, for self-confidence leads to sin and mischief (I Cor 10:12). Wise men do not trust themselves, but learn to despise themselves as their most dangerous enemy. Let Peter's confidence in his own strength and courage humble us to beg for grace and strength from Him Who prays for us.
Since God's commandments are life and prosperity themselves (3:1-2) and keeping them brings His blessing (Ps 147:11), these two reasons form this simple rule for happiness. Keeping the rules for success and having God bless your life is a wonderful combination. Rejecting His commandments is to choose death and folly and bring His judgment. Do not deceive yourself - for you shall certainly reap what you sow (Gal 6:7).
If you want to love life and enjoy many good days, then fear the Lord and depart from evil (Ps 34:12-16; I Pet 3:10-12). Men pay large fees for counsel and therapy to be happy, yet here is the authoritative answer from God. And it was written by the man who experimented with every purpose and pleasure known to man today! His conclusion here is consistent with that when ending his philosophical and practical study (Eccl 12:13).
Read Psalm 128, dear Christian, and see if there is not much blessing in fearing the Lord.
However, if you stubbornly refuse God's commandments, you will bring on yourself His promise of drastic judgment (29:1). The way of transgressors is hard, dear reader (13:15; 4:19; 19:16; 22:5). Lot and Saul compromised God's commandments, and they both lived miserable lives and ended them in horrible disgrace unimaginable years before.
Fearing God is not a light matter. It is life or death. It is happiness or trouble. Only fools treat the things of God lightly, and they will reap the rewards of their folly. Only fools take confidence in outward compliance with religion, for God will destroy the hypocrite. Wise men will pass the time of their sojourning here in fear (I Pet 1:17).
Where have you hardened your heart against the LORD? What does He require that you do not want to give? Where do you stubbornly resist the teaching of His servant? Have you examined yourself today? Is your entire life grounded in the fear of the Lord?
If you presume to think you can get away with rebellion, if you think you can have peace in disobedience, He will bring all His wrath and fury in curses on your despicable life and blot out your name (Deut 29:18-20). Be sure your sin will find you out! Kiss the Son!
Our Lord Jesus Christ feared His Father alway and did those things that pleased Him (Heb 5:7), and He is forever seated on His throne in heaven enjoying fulness of joy and pleasures for evermore (Ps 16:11). We shall be there soon as well, if we give diligence to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12-13; II Pet 1:10-11).
We all want to be happy and avoid trouble, and the Preacher tells us how. If we always fear the LORD, we shall be happy. But if we rebel against Him, we will bring trouble on ourselves. May our good God bless us with grace and strength to fear Him all our days.
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